Catch Up/New Companion

Dear Family,

    Wow time is flying by today.  I am doing great, but I only have 30 minutes to write so bear with me. This week was week 11 in my 12 week training program, which means that for the whole week I took the lead in all situations – planning, teaching, finding, coordinating, etc. In other words, I was senior for a week.  It was hard, but I learned and grew.  Honestly, it was fun for me.  I work well under pressure.  I am still feeling a bit sick and weak, but my strength is coming back.

     Please thank Jaclyn and Brother Brim for the sweet emails! They made my day.

December 9th

     We had a great FHE with V. who is a 17 year old boy friend of a member. Sister Z and I taught and were in sync.  It was one of the first lessons where I just knew what to say and ask.  He accepted to be baptized and when he said the closing prayer, man the spirit was strong.  He couldn’t even continue, as he quietly she a few tears. It was a perfect example of someone being prepared, humble, and asking with an open heart and real intent for his prayers to be answered.

December 10th

     We had a district meeting.  I LOVE our district leader (in the missionary sense of the word).  Elder M had an emergency transfer two weeks ago so Elder A. is our new district leader and he is awesome. He is tender but firm with the sisters in the district, and he really motivates with love.  He can hone in on the quality of our work which is the mission-wide push right now. 

     We taught Ros. and Ren.  Ren has a lot of feelings and we are trying to help her sort through them.  The problem is that she has no desire to act.  We were able to ask some inspired questions, but she isn’t really all that receptive.  Ros is really tough to teach because she never stops talking.  But our district leader encouraged us to go one more time and focus on listening to her and asking her questions about herself.  We did, and as we listened to her we were able to discern her needs. Sister Z. was very perceptive and as soon as Ros saw that we really were there to help her and that we really cared about her problems, she started listening to our message.  Listening is so important for everyone. Though I can’t understand every word, the Spirit always illuminates one or two phrases or concerns that I can teach and testify about.

December 11th                                   HOLY RAIN!!! The roads flooded and lots of houses were damaged.  We had a zone conference which was awesome.  Spiritual nourishment for 8 hours.  It didn’t even matter that we got up ad 4:30 and traveled for 3 ½ hours.  The conference was great and was completely focused on improving the quality of our work.  Sister Z and I were completely on the same page, and ended up with a pile of good ideas to implement in our area. 

December 16, 2013

     Wow, I just found out that I will be training a new missionary tomorrow.  I’ve never felt so inadequate in my life!  I have faith that Presidente Lima knows what he is doing, and that he received inspiration for this calling, but I feel as though my abilities are limited to help show a new missionary the ropes.  I pray that I might be able to have trust in the Lord and that he will help me to literally navigate the streets of Rio.  I pray that I might be able to help my new companion by working hard, loving the people, and being exactly obedient. 

Sister Z. 

On another note, Heavenly Father truly prepared Sister Z. and I for this transfer.  This past week was an incredible week for personal growth and we really worked in unity.  Before I received news that I would train, we felt tranquil.  I felt the urge out of the blue to express love for Sister Z.  It was a special moment.  I am grateful that we have transfers because they often give opportunities to see and appreciate all of the strong points of our companions.  Man does Sister Z have a plethora of spiritual strengths.  She is a dang hard worker, has an immense knowledge of the scriptures, loves children and the elderly especially, testifies and teaches in every opportunity, and rarely complains about personal pain or discomfort.  Her head and heart are in the game and I am extraordinarily grateful that SHE was my trainer.  I can see the difference that obedience, hard work, and love make in missionaries, and we definitely grew in all three of these areas. Our last day together was busy, and sad, and full of nerves.  She will be a Sister Training Leader (like a zone leader for sisters)  and she will be opening an area with her former trainer. 

Dec. 17th

     I picked up my new companion, Sister S. and we arrived back in our area before 3 p.m….early enough to do a full day of tracting and teaching.  Everything went amazingly smooth. We did almost all of our contacts, had lessons with members. 

     Navigating is really difficult. The roads here are a ramshackled mess with no apparent patter for numbering houses.  That, coupled with my amazing natural sense of direction has led to a lot of wandering/walking/asking people for directions. 

Dec. 19th

     Well this is really hard! My new companion is Sister S., and eager 19 year old Rio native.  She is serving a “Corto Prazo” or a short mission.  Meaning that she hasn’t been through the temple, been set apart, or had the training of the MTC. She’s from really humble circumstances....she is VERY green, but reallllllly sweet and enthusiastic. She’s timid but is sensitive and sympathetic. We’re learning a lot together.

And really, I’m staying incredibly focused and haven’t thought too much about Christmas...the Lord is helping me to guard my thoughts and to stay focused on the people and needs here. Blessings! This week was LONG, HARD, and HUMBLING, but we had many miracles and worked really really hard!

FYI  Mom:  My shoes have just about given out after only 6 months, but I guess that is 1/3 rd of my mission so that is not too bad. I am taking them to possibly be re-soled today. If not, I will switch them out for the new shoes that you sent me. I am so glad that you convinced me to bring extra shoes.

Dec. 23rd

     Once again I find myself without much time to write – only 15 minutes for the rest of the day.   I opened my stocking today…I may or may not have cried like a little girl.  Somehow opening the stocking let a myriad of emotions flood my mind.  It was like the wall of service, thinking about investigators, worrying about my newbie, and everything else that has been holding my emotions at bay was broken down in a matter of moments.  The presents were awesome, each one make me smile – especially as I thought of you  packing this gift with love and thoughtfulness. 

     Things are going well, though very stressful.  My language skills are progressing, but I definitely feel really humbled.  Sorry that I can’t write more, I am out of time for the day.

I look sunburned...but it is just the HEAT!

     Welp, I am finding myself with a few extra minutes at the end of my email time. I am well, though it is HOOOOTTTTTT and we are walking a LOT. I am super exhausted and find myself with a TON of responsibility, but all is well. Can´t wait for the SKYPE!

Sister Colvin